Wednesday, March 9, 2011
And So We Say Goodbye: A Reflection
I like to think that I am a relatively simple person, but over the past eighteen years of my life, I’ve realized that this is far from true. I’m a complex, interesting, difficult young lady, and I am perfectly okay with that. Explaining who I am through a jumble of words and phrases isn’t an easy task. I am more than a heap of vowels and consonants, delicately placed into a piece of written excellence.
Well, I should start somewhere. For starters, my name is Elizabeth Ann Johnson. Honestly, I do not like my name as much as I’d like, but it has grown on me, especially after taking this course, and realizing that my name is a part of what makes me, and is part of my identity. I’ve lived on this beautiful planet in the city of Everett for eighteen marvelous years, and have enjoyed each minute of it, good times and bad. Growing up as the second oldest in my house has had its challenges, especially after my older brother moved out. My mother has a slight case of cerebral palsy, and a slipped disc in her back. I spend my extra time being a “second mother” to my younger brother, 10, and younger sister, 16. I am a very house-wifey type of girl, and love cleaning, cooking and baking. Knowing that I can help create a clean, happy household gives me a feeling that even I cannot explain. Just like all families, we have our moments, but there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them.
Writing has always been my passion. In the future I hope to publish a book of poems that I have been working on for the past four or so years. It was a surprise to me when I realized that I was very nervous about this class, since I enjoy writing so much. I'm sure that one reason for this was that it was online. I’ve had online classes before, and I really do enjoy them, but the thought of an English class online made my stomach do flips. After I got into the routine of checking back every day, and making sure I check when all items were due, the class became way less overwhelming. I happy to say I think I’ve gotten through alright.
Before this class, I never thought of identity as such an important aspect of our lives. When the word identity was used, I automatically just thought of drivers’ licenses and IDs. The unit of identity really opened my mind to what identity really is. My ideas on what identity consists of and what it have been changed greatly, and I developed a better understanding of it. One specific aspect and idea of this unit that I remembered particularly well, was the concept that identity can be shaped by others, and there are many challenges when it comes to creating an identity that is your own. The paper I wrote for this unit focused on these ideas. “(Breaking this mold of conforming is one of the greatest obstacles when it comes to creating and developing a strong sense of one’s self and identity, since everyone is an individual and should not be concerned about pleasing others, but pleasing themselves so they are able to begin figuring out what makes them a unique person.”)
Communities were another issue that I’ve learned a lot about during this course. Before the communities unit, I really didn’t understand how and why communities play such an important role in our lives. After looking into the matter deeper, I came to realize that communities are vital aspects of our lives, and also play an important role in developing our identity. It gives us a place to connect with others. Communities are not just where one lives, but a community can be anything, from fishing clubs to Barbie lovers. I think that each unit of study (identity, communities, and tradition) for this quarter has tied in well with each other.
I wasn’t really sure of what to expect from a diversity course, since I have never taken on before, but after this quarter of English, I realize that diversity is a huge part of our lives. With each unit of study that took place, I’ve learned more and more about how important diversity is in our culture. Diversity is a part of our everyday lives, and is different for all people. “Diversity is a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement.” (The University of Tennessee Knoxville) This course has proved this true to me. With each discussion board that was completed, numerous members of this class could read another’s post, and usually see it in a different way. That’s diversity. After watching the assigned film, “Edward Scissorhands,” the idea that diversity changes from person to person came to be even truer. The film showed great examples of how different people react to new people. For instance, Kim’s boyfriend, Jim, does not like Edward, and thinks that he “ruins everything he touches.” The rest of the neighborhood finds this assumption to be false, because Edward is very creative, and does a wonderful job at cutting hair on the ladies, and trimming the hair of the neighborhood hounds. This just shows that each person sees the same thing, in different ways. If everyone thought the same, diversity would not be present in our society, and I think that that would make life pretty boring.
My time in English 101 has been a rollercoaster. With all the discussion boards and constant reading, I became overwhelmed countless times during the quarter, and many times felt like giving up. I knew that this was not a good answer, and I fought through. This class has taught me so many things, and I have enjoyed expanding my thoughts on different subjects and developing my skills as a writer. My final project is an overview of just a portion of the things I’ve learned this quarter, and I hope everyone that happens to stumble upon this particular blog will have as much fun reading it as I did writing all the contents.
Well, I should start somewhere. For starters, my name is Elizabeth Ann Johnson. Honestly, I do not like my name as much as I’d like, but it has grown on me, especially after taking this course, and realizing that my name is a part of what makes me, and is part of my identity. I’ve lived on this beautiful planet in the city of Everett for eighteen marvelous years, and have enjoyed each minute of it, good times and bad. Growing up as the second oldest in my house has had its challenges, especially after my older brother moved out. My mother has a slight case of cerebral palsy, and a slipped disc in her back. I spend my extra time being a “second mother” to my younger brother, 10, and younger sister, 16. I am a very house-wifey type of girl, and love cleaning, cooking and baking. Knowing that I can help create a clean, happy household gives me a feeling that even I cannot explain. Just like all families, we have our moments, but there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them.
Writing has always been my passion. In the future I hope to publish a book of poems that I have been working on for the past four or so years. It was a surprise to me when I realized that I was very nervous about this class, since I enjoy writing so much. I'm sure that one reason for this was that it was online. I’ve had online classes before, and I really do enjoy them, but the thought of an English class online made my stomach do flips. After I got into the routine of checking back every day, and making sure I check when all items were due, the class became way less overwhelming. I happy to say I think I’ve gotten through alright.
Before this class, I never thought of identity as such an important aspect of our lives. When the word identity was used, I automatically just thought of drivers’ licenses and IDs. The unit of identity really opened my mind to what identity really is. My ideas on what identity consists of and what it have been changed greatly, and I developed a better understanding of it. One specific aspect and idea of this unit that I remembered particularly well, was the concept that identity can be shaped by others, and there are many challenges when it comes to creating an identity that is your own. The paper I wrote for this unit focused on these ideas. “(Breaking this mold of conforming is one of the greatest obstacles when it comes to creating and developing a strong sense of one’s self and identity, since everyone is an individual and should not be concerned about pleasing others, but pleasing themselves so they are able to begin figuring out what makes them a unique person.”)
Communities were another issue that I’ve learned a lot about during this course. Before the communities unit, I really didn’t understand how and why communities play such an important role in our lives. After looking into the matter deeper, I came to realize that communities are vital aspects of our lives, and also play an important role in developing our identity. It gives us a place to connect with others. Communities are not just where one lives, but a community can be anything, from fishing clubs to Barbie lovers. I think that each unit of study (identity, communities, and tradition) for this quarter has tied in well with each other.
I wasn’t really sure of what to expect from a diversity course, since I have never taken on before, but after this quarter of English, I realize that diversity is a huge part of our lives. With each unit of study that took place, I’ve learned more and more about how important diversity is in our culture. Diversity is a part of our everyday lives, and is different for all people. “Diversity is a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement.” (The University of Tennessee Knoxville) This course has proved this true to me. With each discussion board that was completed, numerous members of this class could read another’s post, and usually see it in a different way. That’s diversity. After watching the assigned film, “Edward Scissorhands,” the idea that diversity changes from person to person came to be even truer. The film showed great examples of how different people react to new people. For instance, Kim’s boyfriend, Jim, does not like Edward, and thinks that he “ruins everything he touches.” The rest of the neighborhood finds this assumption to be false, because Edward is very creative, and does a wonderful job at cutting hair on the ladies, and trimming the hair of the neighborhood hounds. This just shows that each person sees the same thing, in different ways. If everyone thought the same, diversity would not be present in our society, and I think that that would make life pretty boring.
My time in English 101 has been a rollercoaster. With all the discussion boards and constant reading, I became overwhelmed countless times during the quarter, and many times felt like giving up. I knew that this was not a good answer, and I fought through. This class has taught me so many things, and I have enjoyed expanding my thoughts on different subjects and developing my skills as a writer. My final project is an overview of just a portion of the things I’ve learned this quarter, and I hope everyone that happens to stumble upon this particular blog will have as much fun reading it as I did writing all the contents.
Critical Thinking Skills Introduction
I've greatly enjoyed all the papers that have been written over this quarter (which has gone by way too fast) and after reading and rereading all of my work, I've come to the conclusion that the work that most demonstrates my critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze a subject is my paper from the communities unit. "Analyzing a subject means dividing it into its parts and then examining one part at a time." (Writing and Revising, 119) This paper was actually one of the easiest for me to write, and the ideas flowed like water. A specific area in my paper which I believe showed great analyzing skills was my paragraph about online communities. I not only gave examples of online communities, (pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-ed) but I also explained why even treacherous communities like these are still communities, and people need communities.
("The online community of pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-E.D, is a place where Claire feels she is accepted, since all the others share the same fascination with eating disorders. This is the purpose of a community; to find a place where others will accept you and your interests, no matter what that interest is.") I took apart the online community of pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-ed and really explained the function of these communities.
I honestly don't think that I've ever been that great at analyzing a subject, but after this class I feel as if I am just getting better and better. I've realized that analyzing helps a paper have more development and makes in all and all better. Being able to look at a subject deeper than you first intended shows the reader that you are interested in the subject, and want to create the best possible work for them to read.
("The online community of pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-E.D, is a place where Claire feels she is accepted, since all the others share the same fascination with eating disorders. This is the purpose of a community; to find a place where others will accept you and your interests, no matter what that interest is.") I took apart the online community of pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-ed and really explained the function of these communities.
I honestly don't think that I've ever been that great at analyzing a subject, but after this class I feel as if I am just getting better and better. I've realized that analyzing helps a paper have more development and makes in all and all better. Being able to look at a subject deeper than you first intended shows the reader that you are interested in the subject, and want to create the best possible work for them to read.
Communities: Where Do I Belong?
Communities: Where Do I Belong?
The word “community” is no longer safely secured to meaning where one lives. The statement has taken on a much more personal sense. There are several different types of communities; virtually any pastime or interest someone has can be nourished and developed through a community. The need to belong is prominent in our culture today. The function of a community is to satisfy this desperate desire to fit in with others that share the same interests and hobbies as us.
Although the number of communities in our world is staggering, one is sure to find a community that suits them well. Everyone wants to be a part of something, and “we seek out communities of people that share our interests and who will accept us without trying to change us.” (103) Being able to belong to a community where everyone shares the same likes and interests is a must for our human needs. Online communities are increasing in numbers. “Where we were once limited by our geography, today people use websites to seek out communities that understand and accept them.” (103) It is not always easy to find another that has the same interests, especially if it is one as treacherous as eating disorders, but even eating disorders is an interest. In Mim Udovitich’s, “A Secret Society of the Starving,” Udovitich interviews a girl named Claire, “the name she uses on websites that are the fulcrum of the pro-ana community.” (150) Claire explains to Udovitich that what she enjoys about the online sites is that, “at the end of the day, I can go online and talk to them and they know exactly what I’m going through and how I feel, and I don’t have to worry about them judging me for how I feel.” (151). The online community of pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-E.D, is a place where Claire feels she is accepted, since all the others share the same fascination with eating disorders. This is the purpose of a community; to find a place where others will accept you and your interests, no matter what that interest is.
Communities are not limited to the online world. For instance, in “Befriending Barbie,” by Shari Caudron, Caudron visit’s a Barbie convention, a place for numerous people to share in their pastime of Barbie collecting. Debbie Baker, “the co-chair of the National Barbie Collectors Convention,” tells Caudron that “a thousand men and women from all over the world have converged here for four days of doll shopping, workshops, and social events.” (168) The Barbie community, just like any other community, is one where those who share matching interests can gather and talk to each other about their attraction with Barbies and collecting them.
In David Berreby’s, “It Takes a Tribe,” Berreby states, “We want to live in tribes… [people] are looking to be told what group they belong to. And then once they do that, they want to know ‘What are the rules?” (129). Once a community is found where one can feel as though he or she is accepted, definite rules must be followed if they want to continue being a part of this community. Take fraternities and sororities, for instance. There are several initiation rituals and rules that must be followed. Tom Hayden in, “It Takes a Tribe,” proclaims, “As a junior, I was tapped for the Druids, which involved a two-day ritual that included being stripped to my underpants, being pelted with eggs, smeared with red dye, and tied to a campus tree.” (122). This is an example of the great lengths one will go through in order to fit in with a certain crowd or community. As humans, we all yearn for a sense of belonging, and once we discover this belonging, many of us will do whatever it takes to keep it.
The purpose of communities has not been altered or changed very considerably throughout the years. Although there are several new types of communities in our world today, the overall function has not transformed. After speaking with my father about the matter, I realized that communities have always been a way to connect with others and to find a sense of belonging. Despite the fact that the communities that I select to be a part of (i.e.; going to shows, various internet sites) are different from those that my father chose to associate himself with, (i.e.: fishing, sports) the function had not changed. Communities, even thirty years ago, quenched our thirst for belonging.
Whether it’s following rules, like the “Thin Commandments,” on pro-ED sites, or following the guidelines of an Amish community, every person craves a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging can be found through communities. “The sole purpose [of a community] is to serve the individual.”(103) Without a community to be a part of, individuals would more than likely lack this feeling of belonging. The function of a community is to satisfy an individual’s need to fit in and discover this sense of belonging.
The word “community” is no longer safely secured to meaning where one lives. The statement has taken on a much more personal sense. There are several different types of communities; virtually any pastime or interest someone has can be nourished and developed through a community. The need to belong is prominent in our culture today. The function of a community is to satisfy this desperate desire to fit in with others that share the same interests and hobbies as us.
Although the number of communities in our world is staggering, one is sure to find a community that suits them well. Everyone wants to be a part of something, and “we seek out communities of people that share our interests and who will accept us without trying to change us.” (103) Being able to belong to a community where everyone shares the same likes and interests is a must for our human needs. Online communities are increasing in numbers. “Where we were once limited by our geography, today people use websites to seek out communities that understand and accept them.” (103) It is not always easy to find another that has the same interests, especially if it is one as treacherous as eating disorders, but even eating disorders is an interest. In Mim Udovitich’s, “A Secret Society of the Starving,” Udovitich interviews a girl named Claire, “the name she uses on websites that are the fulcrum of the pro-ana community.” (150) Claire explains to Udovitich that what she enjoys about the online sites is that, “at the end of the day, I can go online and talk to them and they know exactly what I’m going through and how I feel, and I don’t have to worry about them judging me for how I feel.” (151). The online community of pro-ana, pro-mia, and pro-E.D, is a place where Claire feels she is accepted, since all the others share the same fascination with eating disorders. This is the purpose of a community; to find a place where others will accept you and your interests, no matter what that interest is.
Communities are not limited to the online world. For instance, in “Befriending Barbie,” by Shari Caudron, Caudron visit’s a Barbie convention, a place for numerous people to share in their pastime of Barbie collecting. Debbie Baker, “the co-chair of the National Barbie Collectors Convention,” tells Caudron that “a thousand men and women from all over the world have converged here for four days of doll shopping, workshops, and social events.” (168) The Barbie community, just like any other community, is one where those who share matching interests can gather and talk to each other about their attraction with Barbies and collecting them.
In David Berreby’s, “It Takes a Tribe,” Berreby states, “We want to live in tribes… [people] are looking to be told what group they belong to. And then once they do that, they want to know ‘What are the rules?” (129). Once a community is found where one can feel as though he or she is accepted, definite rules must be followed if they want to continue being a part of this community. Take fraternities and sororities, for instance. There are several initiation rituals and rules that must be followed. Tom Hayden in, “It Takes a Tribe,” proclaims, “As a junior, I was tapped for the Druids, which involved a two-day ritual that included being stripped to my underpants, being pelted with eggs, smeared with red dye, and tied to a campus tree.” (122). This is an example of the great lengths one will go through in order to fit in with a certain crowd or community. As humans, we all yearn for a sense of belonging, and once we discover this belonging, many of us will do whatever it takes to keep it.
The purpose of communities has not been altered or changed very considerably throughout the years. Although there are several new types of communities in our world today, the overall function has not transformed. After speaking with my father about the matter, I realized that communities have always been a way to connect with others and to find a sense of belonging. Despite the fact that the communities that I select to be a part of (i.e.; going to shows, various internet sites) are different from those that my father chose to associate himself with, (i.e.: fishing, sports) the function had not changed. Communities, even thirty years ago, quenched our thirst for belonging.
Whether it’s following rules, like the “Thin Commandments,” on pro-ED sites, or following the guidelines of an Amish community, every person craves a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging can be found through communities. “The sole purpose [of a community] is to serve the individual.”(103) Without a community to be a part of, individuals would more than likely lack this feeling of belonging. The function of a community is to satisfy an individual’s need to fit in and discover this sense of belonging.
Revision Introduction And Revised Work.
The papers that I’ve written this quarter could all honestly use some revision, but the assignment that I feel could use the most revision and editing would be a the discussion board number 2, from the unit 3, tradition. After looking back at my work that I submitted, I can easily say that I am embarrassed. Not only was it short, but it lacked the evidence that I needed to support my answer to the best of my ability. The expectations of this discussion board were to “affirm or challenge one or more of the above assumptions based on your selected readings. In your subject line, state the assumption you are working with. Remember to mention authors’ names as you bring in ideas from the text.” We had a list of assumptions about popular culture, and I said that pop culture reflects the most current trends in a society. There are some positive aspects of work in my paper, but not enough for my liking. I did answer the prompt, but I feel as if I did it in a rushed kind of way.
Revision Of Work:
Pop culture reflects the most current interests and trends in a society. This can be clearly seen in our culture. Each individual in our society has different likes and interests, but that does not mean that these likes and or trends do not reflect the most current interests in society. Popular culture is “the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture.” (Google Definitions) Since there are many different “mainstreams” of a society, there are different ideas on what is deemed popular culture. For example, what a group of athletes think is hip and trendy, and what a group of punk kids think is trendy, varies. Although these are two separate groups of people, each group has an idea of what is popular at the time. The American society is constantly viewing new and changing fads, whether it’s through television, the internet, or just seeing another person on the street. It is easy for our society to be drawn into a specific idea if it is seen enough. We as Americans have a tendency to like things that we see a lot of. For example, if we were to see our biggest stars wearing something absolutely outrageous, we would almost certainly begin to have a taste for it. In Samuel Jackson's "In Character," Jackson states that, “as the fabric of our society changes in certain ways, the fabric of the cinematic world changes in the same ways.” (455). This assumption is completely true. Our times are always changing, and in order to keep up with these times, the trends of our culture changes. It is usually easy to see changes that transpire within a society, especially when it comes to technological advancements and fads. Take video games for instance. I remember when the only game system in our household was a Super Nintendo. That has been changed over the years. My house is now complete with a Playstation 2, Xbox 360, and Super Nintendo. The changes that happened within the gaming environment had an effect on my family. We chose to keep up with the popular culture of gaming. Trends are not easy to avoid, especially when you live in a society were new trends are jumping up everyday. But, it is your choice whether you chose to be a part of these trends.
Revision Of Work:
Pop culture reflects the most current interests and trends in a society. This can be clearly seen in our culture. Each individual in our society has different likes and interests, but that does not mean that these likes and or trends do not reflect the most current interests in society. Popular culture is “the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture.” (Google Definitions) Since there are many different “mainstreams” of a society, there are different ideas on what is deemed popular culture. For example, what a group of athletes think is hip and trendy, and what a group of punk kids think is trendy, varies. Although these are two separate groups of people, each group has an idea of what is popular at the time. The American society is constantly viewing new and changing fads, whether it’s through television, the internet, or just seeing another person on the street. It is easy for our society to be drawn into a specific idea if it is seen enough. We as Americans have a tendency to like things that we see a lot of. For example, if we were to see our biggest stars wearing something absolutely outrageous, we would almost certainly begin to have a taste for it. In Samuel Jackson's "In Character," Jackson states that, “as the fabric of our society changes in certain ways, the fabric of the cinematic world changes in the same ways.” (455). This assumption is completely true. Our times are always changing, and in order to keep up with these times, the trends of our culture changes. It is usually easy to see changes that transpire within a society, especially when it comes to technological advancements and fads. Take video games for instance. I remember when the only game system in our household was a Super Nintendo. That has been changed over the years. My house is now complete with a Playstation 2, Xbox 360, and Super Nintendo. The changes that happened within the gaming environment had an effect on my family. We chose to keep up with the popular culture of gaming. Trends are not easy to avoid, especially when you live in a society were new trends are jumping up everyday. But, it is your choice whether you chose to be a part of these trends.
Pop Culture Reflects The Most Current Interests And Trends In A Society
Whatever is popular or trendy at the time, is what is cool. People have the tendency to like things that they see a lot of. For example, if we were to see our biggest stars wearing something totally outrageous, we would probably begin to have a taste for it. For each group of people, there is a different pop culture. What someone interested in punk style finds treandy, and what someone intereseted in preppy style find trendy, may be totally different, yet I think both would still be considered pop culture. In Samuel Jackson's "In Character," Jackson says, “as the fabric of our society changes in certain ways, the fabric of the cinematic world changes in the same ways.” (455). Basically this means that whatever changes within our society, the film world changes too. Whatever the current trend is in our world, it is reflected through cinema.
Awareness of Audience & Voice Introduction
With all the writing that I do, I always am sure to focus on the audience that I am writing for. A piece that I completed this quarter that I feel did an exceptional job at showing voice and had a clear sense of audience was my blog posting about identity. (“What’s in Your Wallet?”) My blog site is something that can be see by all in the online community, so when I wrote it, I wanted it to be entertaining. Specific areas of this blog where I feel that I did an exemplary job at addressing a specific audience and using voice, is the second paragraph. The second paragraph of this blog is devoted to how my wallet is set up, and gives a reader an idea of what exactly is in my wallet. I state that I have “A Skylit Drive tickets safely tucked away inside the zippered pocket,” and this can be directed towards people interested in the hardcore music scene. Although this specific place in my blog is directed towards people of the hardcore music scene, I feel as if the whole blog itself is directed at an audience of people who want something more than a list of facts and quotes from a textbook. They want something fun, entertaining, and a piece of work that will make them think in a way that isn’t surrounded by memorizing textbook quotes. This blog does just that.
Wallets: Awareness of Audience & Voice
My wallet and purse hold things that I would be lost without. Although it could give someone a start, I do not believe the contents of my wallet or purse could ever completely show someone who I am.
My black clutch wallet is the home to various cards and items that I would be lost without. Identification, school ID, a bank card, two tickets to an upcoming concert, and numerous coffee stamp cards rest within the slots of my wallet. All of these things can give a stranger who knows nothing about me an idea of me.
By looking at the contents in my wallet, one might assume that I am a very organized person. Each slot holds two cards, never more, never less. Each receipt is folded delicately in half and placed in the hidden pocket even I sometimes forget about. Seeing the A Skylit Drive tickets safely tucked away inside the zippered pocket, waiting to emerge on February 2, people would get a slight idea of the music I enjoy. The coffee stamp cards that I carry will obviously tell someone that I enjoy my white chocolate mocha every once in a while.
Although there are some things that people would be able to figure about me based on what they find in my wallet, what they find cannot show them everything. My personality, in my opinion, would be totally hidden. They would not know that I'm shy or a writer by looking at the ID or bank card, my bus pass or Albertson's card. My wallet carries only the necessary cards and important receipts and very rarely, important show tickets. People would not know that I am very family oriented and a daddy's girl. (I do not think that pictures of friends and family belong in a wallet, hidden away) They would not know that I am a Christian, or sleep with my cat by my head. Those are things that no one could ever find out about me by looking at my wallet or the contents inside. The items in my wallet do not define me.They are just plastic and paper.
My black clutch wallet is the home to various cards and items that I would be lost without. Identification, school ID, a bank card, two tickets to an upcoming concert, and numerous coffee stamp cards rest within the slots of my wallet. All of these things can give a stranger who knows nothing about me an idea of me.
By looking at the contents in my wallet, one might assume that I am a very organized person. Each slot holds two cards, never more, never less. Each receipt is folded delicately in half and placed in the hidden pocket even I sometimes forget about. Seeing the A Skylit Drive tickets safely tucked away inside the zippered pocket, waiting to emerge on February 2, people would get a slight idea of the music I enjoy. The coffee stamp cards that I carry will obviously tell someone that I enjoy my white chocolate mocha every once in a while.
Although there are some things that people would be able to figure about me based on what they find in my wallet, what they find cannot show them everything. My personality, in my opinion, would be totally hidden. They would not know that I'm shy or a writer by looking at the ID or bank card, my bus pass or Albertson's card. My wallet carries only the necessary cards and important receipts and very rarely, important show tickets. People would not know that I am very family oriented and a daddy's girl. (I do not think that pictures of friends and family belong in a wallet, hidden away) They would not know that I am a Christian, or sleep with my cat by my head. Those are things that no one could ever find out about me by looking at my wallet or the contents inside. The items in my wallet do not define me.They are just plastic and paper.
Writer's Choice Introduction
What Did I Enjoy?
My favorite written piece of this quarter was the essay on identity. This is the paper that I spend the most time on, and the paper that I had the most enjoyable time with. I feel as if this was one of my strongest papers because I spend more time on it compared to the others that were assigned this quarter. I could also really relate to the prompt, (“As a result of your readings (primary) and observations (secondary), what seem to be the greatest obstacles or challenges to developing a strong sense of self-identity?”) and that made the paper more interesting for me to write. Out of all of the papers that I have written for this class, I feel as though this one had the most interesting, and most developed thesis. (“Since there is commonly a fear of being an outsider amongst social groups, there comes to be a comfort in conforming. Breaking this mold of conforming is one of the greatest obstacles when it comes to creating and developing a strong sense of one’s self and identity, since everyone is an individual and should not be concerned about pleasing others, but pleasing themselves so they are able to begin figuring out what makes them a unique person.”) I take pride in my writing, and when I feel as though I’ve done a good job on a certain part of a paper, I like to say so.
One specific aspect of this paper that I really enjoyed was my introduction paragraph. It was very thorough, and I feel as if I really set the reader up for what was to be expected. A particular line that I was fond of in my introduction of the identity paper was, “since there is commonly a fear of being an outsider amongst social groups, there comes to be a comfort in conforming.” I liked this line for several reasons. One reason that I enjoyed this particular line so much is because I can relate to the statement. I also feel as though this line showed strong writing skills, because of the word choice that was chosen.
My favorite written piece of this quarter was the essay on identity. This is the paper that I spend the most time on, and the paper that I had the most enjoyable time with. I feel as if this was one of my strongest papers because I spend more time on it compared to the others that were assigned this quarter. I could also really relate to the prompt, (“As a result of your readings (primary) and observations (secondary), what seem to be the greatest obstacles or challenges to developing a strong sense of self-identity?”) and that made the paper more interesting for me to write. Out of all of the papers that I have written for this class, I feel as though this one had the most interesting, and most developed thesis. (“Since there is commonly a fear of being an outsider amongst social groups, there comes to be a comfort in conforming. Breaking this mold of conforming is one of the greatest obstacles when it comes to creating and developing a strong sense of one’s self and identity, since everyone is an individual and should not be concerned about pleasing others, but pleasing themselves so they are able to begin figuring out what makes them a unique person.”) I take pride in my writing, and when I feel as though I’ve done a good job on a certain part of a paper, I like to say so.
One specific aspect of this paper that I really enjoyed was my introduction paragraph. It was very thorough, and I feel as if I really set the reader up for what was to be expected. A particular line that I was fond of in my introduction of the identity paper was, “since there is commonly a fear of being an outsider amongst social groups, there comes to be a comfort in conforming.” I liked this line for several reasons. One reason that I enjoyed this particular line so much is because I can relate to the statement. I also feel as though this line showed strong writing skills, because of the word choice that was chosen.
Identity: Being Plastic Gets You Nowhere
Being Plastic Gets You Nowhere.
“I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are.” -Francis Moore Lappe
Not being an outcast within the high school world has become an overwhelming challenge to many high school students. Whether it’s fitting in with the jocks, preps, metal-heads, or braniacs, every student yearns for a place to fit in. Each high school clique has its “Queen Bee” and satisfying him or her can make a student’s life a living hell. High school is a time for broken hearts, making friends, and self exploration. It is the time when people begin to discover who they are. A vast number of students miss out on self exploration because they are stuck in a rut of appeasing the Queen Bee. Since there is commonly a fear of being an outsider amongst social groups, there comes to be a comfort in conforming. Breaking this mold of conforming is one of the greatest obstacles when it comes to creating and developing a strong sense of one’s self and identity, since everyone is an individual and should not be concerned about pleasing others, but pleasing themselves so they are able to begin figuring out what makes them a unique person.
No one wants to be the oddity in a group. This is shown clearly through different crowds and their “dress codes.” Dressing similar to others for the sake of fitting in has become so prominent in high school culture, that the internet has various pages about how to dress in certain ways. eHow.com: How to Dress Goth, Hip-Hop, Emo and Preppy, (Remix 23) provides detailed guidelines to dressing in each specific style, so anyone that wants to dress within a defined style group, are able to without hassle thanks to websites like eHow. When wearing the same style as others, one may feel as though they are part of that particular group, and have entered a comfort zone. The group is a security blanket. Even if “you are happy in your comfort zone, you need to get out of it; how else can you find the greatness that lies within you?” (Find The Greatness within Yourself, Donald Trump, 242) Even if someone feels as if they have found their “comfort zone” it’s not always a good thing. It is a type of settling in a way, especially when you choose this comfort zone just for the sake of having a group of people you can fit into.
We have all seen the symbolic school fight, whether in film or real life. One against one; prep versus nerd; punk versus skin; jock versus goth. The background to these fights usually consists of rowdy students, filled to the brim with adrenaline, shouting in chorus, “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!” Why is it that, in most cases, no one will say a word? It all comes down to the Queen Bee. Nobody wants to illustrate to the leader of their group that they care about the outcast. Because of this, “there is little sympathy from witnesses to stand up and defend the outcast, for fear of falling out with the Queen Bee, being rejected and potentially being the next victim.” (FOUND: Wikipedia.org:. 17) Even if the witness disagrees with the fight at hand, fear of the Queen Bee will typically keep the witness at bay.
The act of bystanders ignoring a fight is not the only way people choose to please the Queen Bee. There are much more personal and upfront ways that people do this. Heartless and crude remarks can be heard echoing throughout high school hallways. Phrases such as “What a whore,” are common in the world of high school. Such mockery was endured by Lucy Grealy of “Masks” while she was in high school. Even after crude remarks like, “that is the ugliest girl I have ever seen,” (Masks: 69) Grealy still assumed that “in her heart that their comments had nothing to do with her, that it was about them appearing tough and cool to their friends.” (Masks: 69) Bringing down the “outcast” can bring many people a feeling of supremacy, and being urged on by the group may bring this level of power up. Knowing that the friends of the attacker are laughing along with whatever crude remarks may be said, is a signal to the attacker that they are pleasing the group, and brings comfort.
As if finding a group to fit into during high school isn’t hard enough, many students also must deal with what their parents want for them. The pressures of pleasing one’s parents can be a distressing challenge. Our society has become fixated on the idea that students must go to college, the more top-notch the better, even if college is not for them. It’s almost as if going to college has become a trendy fad in our culture. While all parents wish for their children to succeed, it should not make them push their child to their absolute limits.“Sometimes from as early as their toddler years, millions of students are raised to believe that there is nothing more important than success, and nothing that reflects that access than admittance to a top-tier college.” (The Overachievers: 251) Given that kids are different from their parents in various ways, in order to start creating an identity, students must decide what they want out of life. Attending a first-class college after high school is not for everyone.
A vast number of people are naturally people pleasers, and will sometimes go through great lengths to satisfy people. This is a problem in our culture, as it stops people from doing what they like. This begins a complicated expedition of self-discovery and identity because people are not learning what satisfies them, but what satisfies others. Breaking the mold of pleasing others before pleasing yourself is the greatest obstacle when it comes to creating your own identity. Until people are able to comprehend that your identity is your own and no one else’s, and break the mold of conformity, a strong sense of identity will not be able to be found.
“I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are.” -Francis Moore Lappe
Not being an outcast within the high school world has become an overwhelming challenge to many high school students. Whether it’s fitting in with the jocks, preps, metal-heads, or braniacs, every student yearns for a place to fit in. Each high school clique has its “Queen Bee” and satisfying him or her can make a student’s life a living hell. High school is a time for broken hearts, making friends, and self exploration. It is the time when people begin to discover who they are. A vast number of students miss out on self exploration because they are stuck in a rut of appeasing the Queen Bee. Since there is commonly a fear of being an outsider amongst social groups, there comes to be a comfort in conforming. Breaking this mold of conforming is one of the greatest obstacles when it comes to creating and developing a strong sense of one’s self and identity, since everyone is an individual and should not be concerned about pleasing others, but pleasing themselves so they are able to begin figuring out what makes them a unique person.
No one wants to be the oddity in a group. This is shown clearly through different crowds and their “dress codes.” Dressing similar to others for the sake of fitting in has become so prominent in high school culture, that the internet has various pages about how to dress in certain ways. eHow.com: How to Dress Goth, Hip-Hop, Emo and Preppy, (Remix 23) provides detailed guidelines to dressing in each specific style, so anyone that wants to dress within a defined style group, are able to without hassle thanks to websites like eHow. When wearing the same style as others, one may feel as though they are part of that particular group, and have entered a comfort zone. The group is a security blanket. Even if “you are happy in your comfort zone, you need to get out of it; how else can you find the greatness that lies within you?” (Find The Greatness within Yourself, Donald Trump, 242) Even if someone feels as if they have found their “comfort zone” it’s not always a good thing. It is a type of settling in a way, especially when you choose this comfort zone just for the sake of having a group of people you can fit into.
We have all seen the symbolic school fight, whether in film or real life. One against one; prep versus nerd; punk versus skin; jock versus goth. The background to these fights usually consists of rowdy students, filled to the brim with adrenaline, shouting in chorus, “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!” Why is it that, in most cases, no one will say a word? It all comes down to the Queen Bee. Nobody wants to illustrate to the leader of their group that they care about the outcast. Because of this, “there is little sympathy from witnesses to stand up and defend the outcast, for fear of falling out with the Queen Bee, being rejected and potentially being the next victim.” (FOUND: Wikipedia.org:. 17) Even if the witness disagrees with the fight at hand, fear of the Queen Bee will typically keep the witness at bay.
The act of bystanders ignoring a fight is not the only way people choose to please the Queen Bee. There are much more personal and upfront ways that people do this. Heartless and crude remarks can be heard echoing throughout high school hallways. Phrases such as “What a whore,” are common in the world of high school. Such mockery was endured by Lucy Grealy of “Masks” while she was in high school. Even after crude remarks like, “that is the ugliest girl I have ever seen,” (Masks: 69) Grealy still assumed that “in her heart that their comments had nothing to do with her, that it was about them appearing tough and cool to their friends.” (Masks: 69) Bringing down the “outcast” can bring many people a feeling of supremacy, and being urged on by the group may bring this level of power up. Knowing that the friends of the attacker are laughing along with whatever crude remarks may be said, is a signal to the attacker that they are pleasing the group, and brings comfort.
As if finding a group to fit into during high school isn’t hard enough, many students also must deal with what their parents want for them. The pressures of pleasing one’s parents can be a distressing challenge. Our society has become fixated on the idea that students must go to college, the more top-notch the better, even if college is not for them. It’s almost as if going to college has become a trendy fad in our culture. While all parents wish for their children to succeed, it should not make them push their child to their absolute limits.“Sometimes from as early as their toddler years, millions of students are raised to believe that there is nothing more important than success, and nothing that reflects that access than admittance to a top-tier college.” (The Overachievers: 251) Given that kids are different from their parents in various ways, in order to start creating an identity, students must decide what they want out of life. Attending a first-class college after high school is not for everyone.
A vast number of people are naturally people pleasers, and will sometimes go through great lengths to satisfy people. This is a problem in our culture, as it stops people from doing what they like. This begins a complicated expedition of self-discovery and identity because people are not learning what satisfies them, but what satisfies others. Breaking the mold of pleasing others before pleasing yourself is the greatest obstacle when it comes to creating your own identity. Until people are able to comprehend that your identity is your own and no one else’s, and break the mold of conformity, a strong sense of identity will not be able to be found.
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